L.W.F.C. ISSUES NOTICE OF INTENT FOR 2013 WILD TURKEY SEASON

July 2, 2012 -- The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission today issued a notice of intent with the proposed 2013 wild turkey season and regulation changes. The proposed season framework was presented by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ (LDWF) Wildlife Division at the Commission’s monthly meeting. The public has 60 days to comment on the department’s recommendation.

If approved as presented, the 2013 wild turkey season would open March 23 in three designated areas with varying end of season dates as follows: Area A, March 23 - April 21; Area B, March 23 - April 14; and Area C, March 23 - April 7 using the same geographic boundaries utilized in 2012. The statewide youth and physically challenged hunter weekend for private lands would be set for March 16-17.

Additionally, on USFWS-managed National Wildlife Refuges and US Army Corps of Engineer properties the following turkey hunting dates would be available: Bogue Chitto NWR, March 23 - April 14; Lake Ophelia NWR, March 23 - April 7; Tensas NWR, youth hunters March 16-17 plus March 23 - April 7; Upper Ouachita NWR, youth hunters March 16; Indian Bayou USACOE, youth/physically challenged dates on March 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31; and Old River USACOE, March 23 - April 7.

Proposed changes include added youth lottery hunts on Kisatchie National Forest in the Catahoula, Caney, Kisatchie and Winn ranger districts.

WMA turkey season changes would include reduced days on Sherburne WMA, an earlier season opening on Dewey Wills WMA, an added youth hunt day on Pearl River WMA, an additional three-day lottery hunt on Union WMA, a requirement that Tunica Hills WMA hunters wear research GPS devices and a fall season limit of one turkey at Peason Ridge WMA.